Tenerife

Welcome to Tenerife 

One of the Canary Islands. Tenerife is the kind of place where you can do a bit of everything – beach days, volcano adventures, great food, and lively evenings, all wrapped up in year-round sunshine. Whether you’re after total relaxation or a bit of exploring, it’s an easy, feel-good getaway that never disappoints.

Quick Facts at a Glance

  • Language: Spanish (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Time Zone: GMT (same as the UK)
  • Plugs/Voltage: Type C & F, 230V (UK travellers will need an adaptor)
  • Flight Time from UK: Around 4.5 hours
  • Entry Requirements: Valid UK passport (no visa needed for short stays)
  • Emergency Number: 112

When to Go 

One of the best things about Tenerife? It’s a year-round destination.

  • Winter (Nov–Mar): Perfect for escaping the cold – mild, sunny, and ideal for relaxing
  • Spring & Autumn: Warm, quieter, and great for exploring
  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot, lively, and perfect for beach lovers

The island also hosts colourful local fiestas and carnivals, especially in Feburary.

Getting There & Getting Around 

  • Flights: Direct from many UK airports to Tenerife South Airport
  • Transfers:  Around 15–30 minutes to popular resorts in the south
  • Getting Around:
    • Hire a car if you want to explore properly (highly recommended – on our last visit we hired a car and the freedom we had was worth it!)
    • Buses are cheap and reliable, however they get extremly busy! When we visited in Feburary 2025 we relied on buses for getting around. They are very cheap but very crowded. We used the airport bus when departing and we were lucky to get on the bus. Something to bear in mind!
    • Taxis are easy to find in resort areas

Top Experiences & Must-Sees 

  • Mount Teide National Park: A must-do. Spain’s highest peak with incredible volcanic landscapes – it feels like another planet. Seriously, it’s like being on Mars.
  • Teide Cable Car: For those views without the hike (book ahead, we forgot and couldn’t go).
  • Whale & Dolphin Watching: Trips run daily and sightings are very likely.
  • Los Gigantes Cliffs: Huge, dramatic cliffs best seen by boat.
  • Siam Park:  Thai themed water kingdomwith record breaking slides and a huge wave pool! We loved Siam Park , from the thrill of the water slides to the peace of the lazy river. It’s a brilliant day out! (Tom’s Top Tip – Bring water shoes!)
  • La Laguna: A colourful, historic town perfect for a wander and a slower pace. 

Food & Drink 

Tenerife is big on simple, flavourful food and relaxed dining.

  • Must-try dishes:
    • Papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauce
    • Fresh grilled fish
    • Tapas – perfect for sharing
    • Churros with chocolate (ideal for a treat)
  • Dining tips:
    • Local restaurants (guachinches) are great for authentic, budget-friendly meals
    • Dinner tends to be later – from around 7:30pm onwards

Culture & Etiquette 

  • Friendly and laid-back – don’t be surprised if things run a little slower
  • A simple “hola” goes a long way
  • Casual dress is fine, but beachwear is for the beach only
  • Respect siesta times in quieter areas

Money Matters 

  • Cash vs Card: Cards widely accepted, but small cash is handy
  • Average Costs: Generally good value compared to many European destinations

Safety & Health 

  • Tenerife is very safe and well set up for tourists
  • Stay sun-safe – it can be deceptively strong, even in winter
  • Pharmacies are easy to find

Packing Tips 

  • Light clothing for warm weather
  • A light jacket for evenings (especially outside summer)
  • Comfortable shoes for exploring
  • Swimwear, suncream, sunglasses, hat
  • Travel adaptor

Tom’s Top Tip: If you’re heading up Mount Teide, pack something warm – it can be surprisingly chilly up there!

Optional Add-Ons & Excursions 

  • Teide stargazing experience – incredible clear skies
  • Boat trips along the coast
  • Siam Park (great fun, even for adults!)
  • Island tours to explore the north’s greener, quieter side

Perfect if you want to mix lazy beach days with a bit of adventure.

Stay Connected 

  • Wi-Fi widely available in hotels, bars, and restaurants
  • Roaming usually works well for UK travellers
  • Handy apps: Google Maps, translation apps, and local taxi services

Our Support While You’re Away 

When you travel with us, everything is taken care of. Your holiday is fully supported with 24/7 assistance and full financial protection through ATOL and PTS – so you can just focus on enjoying yourself.

Tom’s Top Tip 

Don’t just stick to the south. Hire a car for a day and explore the north of the island – it’s greener, quieter, and feels completely different. It’s the Tenerife most people miss, and it’s well worth it.

Thank You & Your Next Adventure 

Tenerife is one of those places you’ll want to come back to (we visited twice in 2025!)– easy, sunny, and packed with variety. And when you’re ready for your next trip, we will be here to help you plan it.

Please check the latest UK Government travel advice before you go: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice